Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to say 'opening ceremony' is 開会式 (かいかいしき) for formal events like conferences, sports meets, and exhibitions. For school entrance ceremonies, use 入学式 (にゅうがくしき). For company or organization inauguration ceremonies, 発会式 (はっかいしき) is used. The general term 開幕式 (かいまくしき) can be used for festivals or performances.
To refer to the formal opening of a conference, sports event, exhibition, or similar gathering.
The standard term for the opening ceremony of a formal event such as a conference, sports tournament, or exhibition. It is neutral and widely understood.
オリンピックの開会式は明日です。
The Olympic opening ceremony is tomorrow.
開会式は午前10時から始まります。
The opening ceremony will start at 10 a.m.
Used for the opening ceremony of a festival, performance, or event that has a 'curtain' metaphor, like a theater festival or sumo tournament. Slightly more literary than 開会式.
映画祭の開幕式に出席した。
I attended the opening ceremony of the film festival.
To refer to the ceremony held at the beginning of the school year to welcome new students.
Specifically the ceremony for new students entering a school (elementary, junior high, high school, university). This is the most common term for a school opening ceremony.
入学式は4月に行われます。
The entrance ceremony is held in April.
娘の入学式に参加しました。
I attended my daughter's school entrance ceremony.
To refer to the ceremony marking the establishment or first gathering of a company, association, or club.
Used for the inaugural ceremony of a new organization, society, or company. It emphasizes the 'founding' aspect.
新会社の発会式が行われた。
The inauguration ceremony of the new company was held.
To refer to the ceremony when a new shop, restaurant, or public facility opens for business.
Specifically for the opening ceremony of a store or shop. Often involves a ribbon-cutting or similar ritual.
新しいレストランの開店式に招待された。
I was invited to the opening ceremony of the new restaurant.
A loanword from English, often used for casual or commercial openings, like a new store or event. It has a modern, trendy feel.
ショップのオープニングセレモニーに行った。
I went to the shop's opening ceremony.
開会式 is the most general term for formal events like conferences and sports. 開幕式 is used for events with a 'curtain' metaphor, such as festivals or performances. 入学式 is exclusively for school entrance ceremonies. Using the wrong term can sound odd; for example, 入学式 for a business conference would be incorrect.
学会の開会式で挨拶した。
I gave a speech at the opening ceremony of the academic conference.
大相撲の開幕式を見た。
I watched the opening ceremony of the grand sumo tournament.
The English phrase 'opening ceremony' refers to a formal event. If you mean the first day a place is open to the public without a ceremony, use 開店日 (かいてんび) for shops or 初日 (しょにち) for events. 開会式 implies a ritual or formal proceedings.